Have you ever chased a crochet project that instructed you to block your work? If you've never locked out a crochet project before, you might have skipped this step.
Some people find blocking too time-consuming, too confusing, or just plain unnecessary. I know I'm to blame for these things too!
Now that I know, I'm a proud member of Team Block. (Yes, I just made that up) Once you learn what crochet blocking is and what an amazing improvement it can bring to your completed projects, you'll be on Team Block too!
Crochet lock can have many benefits! It can help projects that like to curl up flat. It can balance your tension and make your stitches look more even.
It can open up the lace work to really let it shine. Granny's wobbly squares can be held in place with a little blocking and the crochet clothes can be pushed and pulled in just the right measurements to fit like a glove.
With such a long list of perks, you can see why you need to get into the Team Block stat!
Which projects need to be blocked?
You can choose to lock all your projects from now on, but you don't have to. Some crochet projects benefit more from blocking than others.
Once you understand more about the crochet blocking process, you can make more informed decisions about when to block and when to bypass the block.
As a general rule, I like to block 4 types of crochet projects. The ones that involve cutting-edge work really should be locked down to make all your hard work look exactly like you intended.
For projects that involve sewing multiple items together, such as when making a granny square quilt, I like to block all my squares so they are the same size before connecting them. To get the right fit, I also like to block all my crochet dresses and shawls.
Lastly, I almost always lock my Tunisian crochet projects so they stop curling.
When to block?
The big question is, should you block your work before or after you weave in the ends? There are people on both sides of the fence to this one who will swear their way is the right way and the only way.
Some people find it best to block before weaving the ends, as the parts the ends are woven into will not behave like the rest of the work when you block them.
Some people like to block after weaving in the ends because it can help keep them in place and help them blend in better with the rest of the project.
There really isn't a right or wrong way here. I encourage you to try both methods and see which you prefer. The end result won't be much different anyway, so don't worry!
blocking equipment
There are many fancy crochet block kits that you might have noticed before.
If you're new to the concept of lock and want to try it out before investing in new gadgets, rest assured that you can probably complete your lock with things you already have around the house.
The bare minimum you'll need for basic blocking is water, a towel, some pins (I've even used safety pins before), and something to hold your project together.
Foam blocking boards can certainly be convenient, but a good ol' flat cardboard box will do just as well. You can also use an old yoga mat or foam sheet left over from the packaging.
There are also some other "nice to have" items you might want to invest in in the future.
If you want to try steam lock, you will also need a steamer or iron with a steam function. A blocking wire can be very useful when it comes to blocking cloths.
And a simple spray bottle can help you moisten your projects more easily without saturating.
how to block
The science behind crochet blocks is quite simple to understand. You know how when you "frog" or pluck a crochet project, the yarn is no longer straight (looks like ramen noodles to me).
This is because the yarn fibers “remember” the shape they had when they were in the project. So when you lock your designs, set a new way for them to remember.
Learning how to block your crochet projects can seem like a daunting task, but the basic steps are super easy.
You'll wet your project, lay it out however you like, pin it up, and let it air dry. To see? This is not so difficult! We'll go into more detail about this in the next section and discuss the different types of locks.
lock types
immersion lock
The dip block is a great choice for crocheting projects made from natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, wool, and other animal fibers.
First, fully submerge the project in water for 15 to 30 minutes to saturate. Then gently squeeze out excess water. You can wrap the project in a towel and press the towel to squeeze out even more water.
Be careful never to twist or twist your project's fabric, as this can warp your work. When you get the excess water out, you can put it on and secure it.
splash block
Spatter blocking is a faster option for projects that only need light blocking. It is also a good choice for acrylic yarn projects.
Acrylic yarn is waterproof, so there's no point in soaking it - a light spritz will do! Simply place your project on a towel and give it a quick spritz with a spray bottle.
No additional water needs to be squeezed out, so you can keep putting and fixing.
vapor lock
Vapor lock is generally considered the best option for acrylic yarn. This really helps the fibers in the yarn relax and can even increase the drape of your project, which is a huge benefit for crocheted clothing and accessories like sweaters and shawls.
The steps to block using this method are a little late. First, you will lay out and pin your design, then lightly steam it. The steam will slightly dampen the project, as with the other methods, you'll still let it air dry.
A garment steamer is a useful tool for this method as it gives you a lot of control over the application. An iron with a steam setting will also work, but be careful never to press the iron into the project!
(After all, acrylic yarn is plastic and can melt!) Hold the iron an inch or two above the work surface and slowly levitate it over the entire project.
Is the crochet lock permanent?
The short answer is no, crochet blocking is not permanent. If you decide to wash your project at some point, this will basically "reset" the stitch memory.
At this point, you can lay it flat to dry and re-pin to ensure it still holds its shape. However, this is not always necessary, especially when the stitch pattern is quite simple.
That's not to say your initial block was a waste of time! Anyway, I don't wash my crochet projects often, as spot cleaning is usually sufficient.
So I suppose if you never get your project wet again, the original crochet lock will basically be permanent.
This lack of consistency can also be a good thing. If you accidentally get your project wet and it dries in an odd way, all you have to do is re-lock it and you're good to go!
Did you learn anything new about crochet blocking today? do you have more questions? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!
If you want to learn more about crochet blocking, read this articleHERE.
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FAQs
What is a crochet lock? ›
With the Crochet Method, a crochet hook is used to pull hair strands into each other to form a single lock of hair, known as a dreadlock. Sectioning hair throughout the head, usually using a Bricklay sectioning layout and continuing to form one dread at a time in each section results in a head of dreadlocks.
What is the first thing to do before starting to make a crochet stitch? ›Tying a slip knot onto the crochet hook is one of the very first things you need to know to get started with crocheting. It's the way you'll cast the yarn onto the hook so you can start crocheting. Quickly twist and loop the yarn onto the hook, wrap the yarn under the hook and pull it through the loop to tighten.
What are starter locs? ›Starter locs, also referred to as “baby locs”, is the first stage of the loc process. The starter loc phase generally lasts between three to six months depending on your hair type or the speed at which your hair grows.
What are the different types of crochet locs? ›- 1) Long Medium Faux Locs. @fauxlocsnbeautiful. ...
- 2) Long Multi tone Faux Locs. @fauxlocsnbeautiful. ...
- 3) Brown Faux Locs Updo. @fauxlocsnbeautiful. ...
- 4) Blonde Faux Goddess Locs. ...
- 5) Multi tone Faux Goddess Locs. ...
- 6) Extra Long Faux Locs. ...
- 8) Long Black Goddess Locs. ...
- 9) Long Brown Faux Locs.
With practice, basic crochet stitches can be learned in a day or two. More advanced crochet techniques take longer to learn, adding up to weeks or months, depending on the project and the time the crocheter can devote to it.
Why do you miss the first stitch in crochet? ›When you're working rows of treble crochet, you will chain 4 as your turning chain at the beginning of each row. This chain DOES count as a stitch, meaning you will skip the very first stitch (sometimes called a false stitch) and create your first treble crochet into the next stitch.
Is it better to crochet locs wet or dry? ›Crochet hook maintenance should be done on dry hair only. Dry hair is less susceptible to breakage because keratin protein — the stuff hair and nails are made of — is more durable when dry.
How long do crochet locs stay in? ›Typically synthetic crochet locs can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. With our line of locs, we encourage our customers to reuse them. They look even better after your first install. So you can get multiple use out of it for re-installation.
What are the 5 stages of locs? ›The five stages of locs are: starter, budding, teen, mature, and rooted. While your loc journey can take between 18-24 months, some loc-wearers find the beginning and end phases to be the easiest, because the middle stages present their own set of challenges.
How do Beginners start locs? ›There Are Different Ways To Start Your Locs
Traditionally, people do the comb coil method. This method involves sectioning the hair and using the fine teeth of a comb to twist the hair into a tight coil. You can also do mini twists or braids and leave the hair to loc that way. Yet another method is instant locing.
How long are locs considered starter? ›
In the locs process, the Starter Stage (also known as the Baby Stage) lasts roughly for three to six months. But how long this stage lasts depends on a couple things, such as your hair type and how fast your hair grows.
What is the best crochet needle for locs? ›The 0.75 Dreading Crochet Hook is the perfect size to make dreadlocks. After backcombing a section of hair, use this hook to pull in and condense the hair to make a dreadlock. This hook can also be used to tidy and maintain dreads but if your dreads are particularly mature and tight, you may prefer the 0.6mm hook.
How many packs of crochet locs do you need? ›A2: Usually 4-6 Packs Can Make A Full Head, If you like a lot of lush hair, you can add more hair.
What hair is best for locs? ›The key to perfecting soft locs is the type of hair used. Most stylists recommend using crochet faux locs, kinky wrapping hair or afro kinky hair or water wave passion twist hair.
What is the easiest thing to crochet? ›- Crochet Dishcloths/Washcloths. ...
- Crochet Chunky Infinity Scarf. ...
- Herringbone Infinity Scarf Crochet Pattern. ...
- Crochet Bobble Headband. ...
- Granny Squares – the crochet legend. ...
- Crochet Pumpkins. ...
- Crochet Christmas Baubles. ...
- Crochet “1-hour” Beanie.
Shepherd's knitting
The oldest form of crochet is slip-stitch crochet, but that is a term we use today. It was known as “shepherd's knitting” in the British Isles and had other names in other languages.
You will never work into the first chain from the crochet hook unless your instructions state otherwise. Depending on the stitch, you will work into the second, third, fourth, etc. chain from the crochet hook. The instructions will always state how many chains to skip before starting the first stitch.
What is the fastest way to crochet? ›- Use a bulkier yarn. ...
- Stretch those wrists and hands. ...
- Find a good seat. ...
- Use the right hook for you. ...
- Get into a rhythm. ...
- Check your yarn ball. ...
- Take away the texture. ...
- Relax!
Crochet is mentally and physically taxing, and it takes a heck of a lot of practice. As a beginner, you have to understand how much work is involved in building up knowledge and skill. Crochet is repetition. So yes, crochet is hard… but you can do it!
Is crochet a good skill? ›While crochet, knitting, and sewing are usually thought of as grannies' hobbies, they're great for improving your dexterity. Crochet can reduce the risk of arthritis in the young and improve fine motor skills. These precise movements require a mastery of your hands.
Does it matter which direction you yarn over crochet? ›
Technically, the “correct way” to work crochet stitches is to Yarn Over. Yarn over is worked when you pull the yarn tail from behind the hook, up over the top, and down the front. Yarn under is when you bring the yarn tail to the front of the hook, up over the top, and down the back.
What does every crochet stitch start with? ›Chain Stitch (ch)
The simple chain stitch is one of the most basic crochet stitches that all beginners need to learn at the start of their crochet journey. This stitch is the starting point or foundation for almost all types of crochet stitches for beginners and for most crochet projects.
The crochet chain stitch is the first basic technique that all beginners need to know. The chain stitch is the simplest stitch on this list. Good thing, too, as it's used as the starting point for almost all crochet patterns. Most patterns start with a number of chain stitches.
What crochet hooks do you need to start? ›Most beginners start out in the middle with a worsted-weight yarn and a size H-8 (5mm) hook. This is a good middle-of-the-road size that will help you get used to the rhythm of your crochet stitches. When you're more experienced, you can try smaller hooks with lighter yarns as well as larger hooks with heavier yarns.
Why does my crochet look so messy? ›If your tension is too loose then your active loops will sit too far away from the hook, as shown below. This will make the loops difficult to control on the hook and... ...the resulting chains will be really big, which will look messy when you start working stitches into the chains.
Should you slip the first stitch of every row? ›Slipping the first or last stitch of every row is the secret to creating a neat edge when knitting! Patterns usually call for a slip stitch in the first or last stitch of the row. This is to create an even edge on the finished garment. These are often found on stockinette or similar edges.
Does slip knot count as first chain? ›Whenever you are working from a pattern it will start off by telling you how many crochet chains to make. Never count your first slipknot or the loop on the hook (called the working loop).
Can I wash my hair with crochet locs? ›Cleanse don't wash
Faux locs are considered a protective style because while they're installed, your natural hair can be protected from heat, environmental damage, and breakage from combing and brushing. Therefore, they don't “need” to be washed during the time they are worn.
Tisun Beauty: Yes! Actually, crochet styles are a favorite vacation hairstyle for this reason. Many choose to use synthetic hair because it dries almost instantly. Another plus of wearing synthetic crochet hair for swimming is that curls keep their form so there's no restyling needed.
Does crochet damage your hair? ›Unlike weaves and wigs, which often leave very little of your natural hair or scalp exposed, crochet braids allow for easier hair washing and scalp moisturizing while you're wearing. Not to mention, you're also protecting your hair from heat damage without compromising on style.
Do crochet locs damage hair? ›
Do faux locs damage your hair? If your faux locs are too heavy, they can cause tension at the root of your hair, leading to some pretty serious breakage—so be sure to work with your hairstylist and decide on a size and length of extensions that won't break off your natural hair.
How do I keep my locs from unraveling? ›A few ways to prevent some of the unravelling include, sleeping with a satin bonnet or loc sock, asking your loctician for suggestions or being more gentle when you wash your hair. You will be in the "baby" stage for approximately 9 months. It will be shorter or longer depending on your hair type.
What's the difference between soft locs and butterfly locs? ›The Difference Between Faux Locs and Soft Locs:
Soft locs also known as butterfly locs have a specific installation method with a softer finish, less tension and a lighter weight than traditional faux locs. Soft locks can be created by crocheting pre-made soft-locks into the cornrows or by individually wrapping hair.
3. USE HOT WATER IF YOUR FAUX LOCS ARE TOO STIFF: Sometimes when you immediately finish faux locs, they're a bit stiff. To immediately soften your style, do a rinse (scalp and all) with hot water.
How many packs of crochet locs do I need for soft locs? ›Material: This 36 Inch Faux Locs Crochet Hair is made of 100% quality sythetic fiber, very Soft, Natural Texture,No Smell,Not Rough,not easy to separate. Hair Size: 36 Inch length, Weight: 170g/pack, 21Strands/pack, 4Packs/lot,Usually about 4-7 packs make a full head.
How long do crochet locs last? ›Typically synthetic crochet locs can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. With our line of locs, we encourage our customers to reuse them. They look even better after your first install. So you can get multiple use out of it for re-installation.
What does crocheting your dreads do? ›The Crochet Hook Dread Tool assists in creating and maintaining dreads using the crochet method, a natural dreadlock process. A crochet hook is used to pull the hair in tight so that it knots well. When used correctly, crocheting dreadlocks should not tear the hair but create tight, well knotted dreadlocks.
Is crocheting locs good? ›The silky texture of Asian hair makes it completely impossible to use the twist/re-twist method or twist and rip, and it can be extremely difficult to backcomb as well. This leads us to crocheting, which is by far the most effective method for Asian Dreadlocks!
How long does a crochet Retwist last? ›That being said, a typical retwist should/could last anywhere from 4-6 weeks. But again, it will depend on how you take care of your locs. Your retwist can last longer, it can even last for months, if you make all the right moves to make your retwist last longer.
How many locs do I need for a full head of crochet? ›A2: Usually 4-6 Packs Can Make A Full Head, If you like a lot of lush hair, you can add more hair.
What size crochet hook is best for dreads? ›
The 0.75 Dreading Crochet Hook is the perfect size to make dreadlocks. After backcombing a section of hair, use this hook to pull in and condense the hair to make a dreadlock. This hook can also be used to tidy and maintain dreads but if your dreads are particularly mature and tight, you may prefer the 0.6mm hook.
Do locs damage hair? ›As your hair mats and locks together and becomes dreadlocks, your locs will protect hair follicles. Dreadlocks can damage your hair, it's true. But about 99% of such damage is mainly caused by people who don't know how to properly groom, style, or even grow dreadlocks.
Can you comb out crochet dreads? ›Now, you might be thinking … That can't be done! Well, I'm here to tell you, yes, dreadlocks can be combed out, especially ones that have been properly cared for during their life, including regular shampooing and conditioning. This is very important!
Can crochet locs get wet? ›Yes, faux locs can get wet. You can swim, shampoo and work out just like you normally would. However, because of the volume of additional hair used to create this style, they could easily get very heavy. So they will take longer to dry and will feel heavier when wet.
How long does it take for crochet locs to mature? ›The length of this stage is entirely determined by your hair type and how fast your hair typically grows, but expect about three to six months. Your locs will look pretty uniform and neat.
Are crochet locs heavy? ›They are also extremely lightweight. I found this style to just be overall easy to maintain. It didn't feel heavy and I received so many compliments from people while out and about.
What happens if you Retwist locs too often? ›Retwisting your locs too tightly or often are the main causes of damage and may have a delayed effect. If it hurts on day one you can for sure expect problems in the future. Choose a loctician who is gentle on your hair.
How do you tell if your locs are dry? ›Dry locs typically feel brittle to the touch. You will also notice frequent breakage when your locs are dry. Unfortunately, the products you have been using to nourish your hair can actually be the culprits drying you out.
Can I Retwist my starter locs after 2 weeks? ›Retwist frequency depends on whether you are in the starter loc phase or you have mature locs. It also depends on the type of locs you have, your hair type and your retwist method. Starter locs should be washed monthly or no more than every six week. If you interlock, you can go as long as eight weeks between retwists.